Adversity And The Jesus Painting

Adversity is another way to measure the greatness of individuals. I never had a crisis that didn't make me stronger.~~Lou Holtz

In case you didn't notice, I've been absent of late. A habit I have developed when things get stressful. I don't answer the phone or emails, and I obviously don't write very much online. I also tend to retreat in other ways...I tend to retreat from God, when it is Him that I should turn to most.

I know there are plenty of my J-land friends who are having stressful times as well (I don't want to name names and leave anyone out). Stress just seems to be all around us, sometimes surrounding us with a suffocating blanket. Well, I got this video from a dear friend in my email group and I felt the urge to share. So to all those who are going through difficult times right now, this is for you. I hope it lifts you up as it does me.

Ciao! De ;)

Sunday Seven - Episode 93

I spent the weekend with my parents and we ended up going to a Chinese restaurant for dinner today. I actually behaved myself as far as the diet was concerned, and tried to eat as many vegetables as I could instead of fried meats. (There were still some fried foods, of course: I’m not that strong, you know!) But that got me thinking about this week’s question.But first, Otowi of "Otowi" was first to play last week’s questions about fears. Congratulations!On to this week's question!

THIS WEEK'S QUESTION:Name seven favorite items on a Chinese buffet.

1. Hot and Sour Soup
2. Fried Rice
3. Kung Pow Chicken
4. Orange Chicken
5. Pepper Steak
6. Egg Rolls
7. Fried Rolls dipped in Sugar

Saturday Six - Episode 165

It’s official: summer hasn’t started, yet, and I’m already ready for fall and the accompanying cooler temperatures. It’s 96º outside, so I’m happy to be indoors with air conditioning to ask another set of questions.But first, a quick tip of the hat to Jaibhagwan of "Life is a Force of Nature," who was first to play last week. Congratulations!

Here are this week's "Saturday Six" questions. Either answer the questions in a comment here, or put the answers in an entry on your journal...but either way, leave a link to your journal so that everyone else can visit! To be counted as "first to play," you must be the first player to either answer the questions in a comment or to provide a complete link to the specific entry in your journal in which you answer the questions. A link to your journal in general cannot count. Enjoy!

1. What do you consider more important to your long-term happiness: your relationships, your location, your career or your dreams? Relationships.

2. Other than a significant other, how many people do you feel you can truly turn to for advice? 2-3.

3. Of the people you think know you best, how surprised would you think they would be if they knew “everything” there is to know about you? Oh, pretty darn surprised.

4. Take the quiz: Are you living the wrong life?

Your Life is 28% Off Track

In general, your life is going very well. You're quite happy with where you are and what you're doing. And even if you get a bit off course, you're usually able to get back on track easily.

Are You Living The Wrong Life?

5. What is the longest you’ve stayed in a job you weren’t happy in? 1 year.

6. What single factor made you stay the most? I was moving in 6months and knew it would be hard to get a job for that short period of time.

Taking the First Step

The two things I did learn were that you are as powerful and strong as you allow yourself to be, and that the most difficult part of any endeavor is taking the first step, making the first decision.~~Robyn Davidson

I've been doing some thinking...it costs a lot to live in Phoenix. I mean really a lot. Oh I know that there are more expensive places to live, like say, California, but Phoenix is really expensive. And it's really hot in the summer (no duh it's a desert). So I've been making a mental checklist:

1. House: 3x the amount of Oklahoma

2. Electricity: 3x the amount of Oklahoma

3. Water/Gas: 10x the amount of Oklahoma

4. Salary: Mine is 1.6x and David's is 1.2x the amount of Oklahoma

...see the trend? We have to work more just to live here. And no, I do NOT want to move back to Oklahoma, lol. But I am thinking maybe a less expensive market back closer to family in Texas and Oklahoma might be a good idea.

What is the first step? Look into the job market in an area we might be interested in living. I've got my eye out on a few areas and you can get much more for your money there. And let's face it, there are always health care jobs.

Second step? Okay well we just bought a house last May so we have to see if it has appreciated in value so we won't lose money if we sell. Homes in Phoenix went through a boom about the time we moved out here 2 years ago and the market seems to be correcting itself. But have we lost money or made money by buying this house? Enter appraiser...made money. House is worth $50K more this year than last in "as-is" shape. So more if we continue our home improvement projects in the works or planned.

Third step is to decrease bills. Down size. One example is I bought a 2003 BMW X5 in November. Sell it and get a less expensive vehicle. Start chunking down extra on the hubby's truck and get it paid off in 6months instead of 12months. Etc.

As much as I love our home and the awesome view from my back porch (sigh), I think we need to make a change. The move will get us into a more affordable living area and closer to family.

Okay...now we just need to get working and get going. Wish us luck!

Ciao! De ;)

Be A Miracle in Someone Else's Life

Instead of looking for a miracle in your life,
look to see if you are the miracle in someone else's life. ~~Nola Rohde Vollmer

Oh jeez, can you tell my mood. I know we can't all be the "miracle in someone else's life", and I probably get more chances than most considering I'm an ER nurse, but sometimes I just get plain tired of trying to make a difference. And I really, really hate being scammed. Like the other night my patient right up front asked me to get her some Valium for her back pain because that is "the only thing that works". First off, I'm not the doc, NP, PA, or whoever, and all I do is follow their orders, not the patient's requests. So when I went into the room to give this lady a pain pill she was like "where is my Valium?". I told her the PA didn't prescribe her one and to take the pain pill and we would see how she feels later. I could already tell where this one was going. So, over the course of the next 45 minutes her friend came up to the desk repeatedly requesting Valium for her friend. I very firmly each time told her I would be in the room in a little bit (and I was three more times). When I went into the room to discharge the patient she became very irate and started screaming at me that I was a horrible nurse, that I had no bedside manner, that I was "trapping her in the bed" when I tried to take her blood pressure and demanded that I "get the charge nurse". I really, really, really hate it when patients think they can get what they want by demanding a supervisor. Thank goodness the charge nurse that night stuck up for me and even stated he was standing by the PA when he handed me the chart and said that he was not going to prescribe the patient any Valium. So the patient left all in a huff and trying to act like she was going to throw up because she was so upset and needed her Valium. As she passed by me she said "You are mean!" That got everyone laughing, but it really wasn't funny because I mean, jeez, this isn't why I got into nursing. KWIM?

Ciao! De;)

The Sunday Seven - Episode 90

When your question writer is on a diet, food is just going to pop up as a topic from time to time. This week, we’re going to belly up to the salad bar.

But first, Wil of "The Daily Snooze" was first to play last week. Congratulations, Wil. (And thanks to Liz for pointing out the adjusted release date for Apple’s Leopard upgrade.)

On to this week's question!

THIS WEEK'S QUESTION:
Name seven ingredients you can’t resist at one of those Super Duper Mega Salad Bars.

Either answer the question in a comment or answer it in your journal and include the link in a comment. (To be considered "first to play," a link must be to the specific entry in which you answered the question.)

1. Lettuce and/or Spinach
2. Sunflower seeds
3. Bell Peppers
4. Green Olives
5. Jalapenos
6. Boiled Egg
7. Cheese

It's Sunday

So how ya been? A whole week gone again! What the heck is going on? Oh yeah, me working, lol. Well dumb me picked up an extra day on Saturday making it 4 days last week. Stupid because by the end of the shift I was so worn out I got a fever blister and gave up my shift for Monday night. It's only money, right?

How was everyone's Mother's Day? Pretty good here with the only thing missing being Hannah (first time apart on Mother's Day). I told Mr Caleb to wake me up at 3pm so he could take me to Spiderman 3 for my Mother's Day gift, but (and can you believe this) he forgot. David woke me up at 5pm and said, "What time did you want to get up today?" School night so we went to see Spidy this evening. It was pretty good, but I think I agree with the critics in that 3 villains were a bit much. If you haven't seen the movie, I won't spoil it for you, but I can tell you I liked the Peter Parker who wore the black suit to the degree he had more self-confidence and stood up for himself (not Spidy) more. Not as much a nerd. But then the "blackness" did consume him to a degree. Okay, enough because I did just promise not to spoil it for you didn't I? My bad. But that does lead me to the thought for the day...

Thought for the Day: Take time to accept responsibility. Your life is exactly that - It's your life. It is created by you. You are constantly making choices, constantly creating new experiences. And although we can be affected by circumstances which can seem to be completely out of our control. Essentially, we decide the direction in which we walk. ~~Nicholas Watkins

From Patrick:

You Are a Black and White Cookie

You're often conflicted in life, and you feel pulled in two opposite directions. When you're good, you're sweet as sugar. And when you're bad, you're wicked!

What Kind of Cookie Are You?

The Numa Numa Song

The Real Me?

Found over at Patrick's....

Who Should Paint You: Gustav Klimt

Sensual and gorgeous, you would inspire an enchanting portrait.. With just enough classic appeal to be hung in any museum!

What Artist Should Paint Your Portrait?

Sunday Seven - Episode 82

I've been on this MUSC weight loss program. At a recent weekly session, one of the behavioral experts suggested that I should come up with some rewards for myself for meeting certain goals or for maintaining healthy behavior for certain lengths of time. As I mentioned over at Patrick's Place, they weren't all that amused when I suggested that I'd like to set a meal at Outback as one of my possible rewards. So that got me thinking about this week's question, particularly considering that I have to have a list of suggested rewards as a "homework" assignment for tomorrow's session.But first, kudos goes to Allison of "We're all mad here," said the Cheshire Cat to Alice because she was first to play last week! Time to play!

THIS WEEK'S QUESTION:Suppose you're on a weight loss program and you're urged to come up with "rewards" for yourself for sticking to the program. Name up to seven rewards, that can't be related to food, that you would set for yourself.

1. Buy a new outfit.
2. Treat yourself to a day spa
3. Get your hair done
4. Go to a movie you've been wanting see
5. Buy a new book, DVD or CD
6. Hire a maid for the day; and last but not least...
7. Take a new picture of yourself and post it on the fridge for all to see.

Saturday Six - Episode 154

A few weeks from now, there will be a special edition of the Saturday Six to commemorate the start of its fourth year in the blogosphere. Who would have thought? I hope you all had a great workweek, and I hope you'll have an even better (and more restful) weekend!

Last week, Travis of "Tilting at Pinwheels" was first to play. If I'm not mistaken, this is Travis's first time to play at all, so it was quite an accomplishment to be the first of the week to play. Congratulations, Travis!

Here are this week's "Saturday Six" questions. Either answer the questions in a comment here, or put the answers in an entry on your journal...but either way, leave a link to your journal so that everyone else can visit! To be counted as "first to play," you must be the first player to either answer the questions in a comment or to provide a complete link to the specific entry in your journal in which you answer the questions. A link to your journal in general cannot count. Enjoy!

1. What is your favorite kind of museum? I would have to say science.

2. How long has it been since you walked through a museum? Ummmm...probably since we moved from Oklahoma City at the Kirkpatrick. Does walking through an artist's gallery in Sedona count?

3. When you enter an art museum, what type of art do you generally visit first? Oh heck, I don't know. I like Van Gough, Renoir, Monet, etc

4. Take the quiz: What Famous Work of Art Are You?

You Are Best Described By...

Impression, Sunrise By Claude Monet

What Famous Work of Art Are You?

5. Judging your own personality, how well do you think the quiz's result matches you? Wow..I'd say perfectly.

6. If you could own any famous piece of artwork for your own, which one would you choose? I really like Monet's "Bridge at Giverny".

Pirates of the Caribbean: At World's End

Just a little tease...

I'm A Horrible Sister, But I Think I've Been Redeemed

This entry is dedicated to my sister, Kathryn. I've told you before that she has to have major surgery, and Tuesday morning was the day. And I forgot to call her. Can you believe that? I was concentrating so much on doing something for the kids cause I had been sick and it's Spring Break and all, that I forgot to call my own sister the night before she has major surgery. And I'm not even there. What kind of horrible sister is that?

Actually, truth be told, I didn't totally forget. I remembered at 9:30pm MST and it was 11:30pm CDT (damn daylight saving time). Kathryn is a early sleeper, always has been ever since she was born. "Grandma" I call her. Can't be up much past 9:30pm or 10:00pm. Me? I can stay up until the sun rises, which is why I work the night shift I suppose. So, I didn't call. I was really upset until David said, "You know you'll be up when she has to be at the hospital. Call her then." Okay. Right. 2hours ahead now. I'll call her at 3:00 or 3:30am. Thank you Lord for the time change, but I think I would be up anyways.

So fast forward and I did actually get a chance to speak to my sister, Kathryn, before her surgery. Poor thing, she was so nervous she could hardly concentrate and got off the phone pretty quickly. I told her to ask for Valium and Versed. One to help her relax, and the other to help her forget. Sounded like a great cocktail to me!

I woke up and spoke to my Mom around 9:45am (11:45CST) and was getting text messages before that. Kathryn's surgery went very, very well. The initial results of the pathology was that it is a benign endometrial tumor as suspected, but they will be doing more tests to rule out any malignant areas. But as far as worst case scenerios they were giving Kathryn, she had maximum results with minimal complications. So, all in all, a very good outcome. I was up a while after I talked to my Mom and sent Kathryn some flowers, a Teddy bear, and a balloon. I talked to Mom later on said the gifts got there and the flowers were beautiful. Mom also said Kathryn just held out her arms for the Teddy bear and wouldn't let it go, lol. So I guess I've been redeemed! I don't quite know how long Kathryn will be in the hospital, but she will have her "Angel of Health" waiting for her when she gets there.

So, now that I know that Kathryn is all settled in, the family headed off to the outlet mall for a little shopping. We all needed shoes, and shoes we all got. Even miss picky Hannah found what she was looking for, the exact pair of Converse.

With shopping done for the evening, we tooled around the house and will be heading out of town later on for a couple of day of R&R as it is Spring Break here. What I absolutely love about living in Arizona is that we don't have to venture very far for a different scenery and climate. So, I guess I'll pack it up here and catch up with you guys later and let you know how our little escape went. In the meantime...

Ciao, De ;)

Sunday Seven - Episode 80

I've made this invitation before, but never quite like this! In a few weeks, you'll see the reason I'm asking. So get ready to put on your meme-writer hats!But first, though Jude of My Way was first to play last week! Congratulations, Jude!On to this week's question!

THIS WEEK'S QUESTION:Name seven questions you would ask if you were writing an upcoming edition of the Saturday Six. Don't answer the questions: just leave the questions themselves.

1. Do you consider yourself political?

2. Do you only vote in the Presidential election, or try to vote in every election you can including state and municipal issues?

3. How do you feel about the candidates who have declared themselves so far for the 2008 election?

4. Do you think we could ever have a woman or African-American as President?

5. Do you vote according to your party lines, or for who or what you consider the best candidate or decision?

6. Take this quiz: Politics Test...

7. How surprised were you by your result?



Either answer the question in a comment or answer it in your journal and include the link in a comment on Patrick's Weekender. (To be considered "first to play," a link must be to the specific entry in which you answered the question.)

Saturday Six - Episode 152

Sorry for posting these later than usual...I was tied up all day on a project and had to upgrade some software to boot. It was a crazy day...which helped inspire the theme of this week's set of questions.Last week, it was Donna of "Just Me" who was the first one to post the link to her post in which she answered the questions, so she was last week's "first to play." Donna also managed to beat Nichole of "My Two Cents," who was in line to break the all-time record and become first to be "first to play" for four weeks running! Donna's already 25% of the way to setting the record herself: will she do it?

Here are this week's "Saturday Six" questions. Either answer the questions in a comment here, or put the answers in an entry on your journal...but either way, leave a link to your journal so that everyone else can visit! To be counted as "first to play," you must be the first player to either answer the questions in a comment or to provide a complete link to the specific entry in your journal in which you answer the questions. A link to your journal in general cannot count. Enjoy!

1. What's the craziest thing you can imagine yourself actually doing? Flying. I hate flying.

2. What sport or pastime do you think someone would almost have to be crazy to attempt? Bungie jumping or sky diving.

3. How likely would you be to do that? No way in hell!

4. Take the quiz: How insane are you?

How insane are you 20% insane you are completely normal

Click Here to Take This Quiz Brought to you by YouThink.com quizzes and personality tests.

5. On a scale of 1 to 10, with 10 being the most stupid, how stupid would you rate that quiz? 9.5

6. What do you really use your computer for? Email, blogging, banking, projects, and looking up everything known to man.

The Blob - and no I'm not Shiloh Jolie-Pitt

Well I do feel as though I might be a total blob today. Get on the scale, yep, that confirms it, lol. Seriously though, I really haven't done too much. I did get off early as anticipated last night and was home by 11:45pm. Lindsi and I chatted for a bit and then I parked my big ole fat but in my chair and read emails, journals, and basically perused the internet. Up to no good, I was. The only consolation was that I was relatively busy while I was at work so at least I wasn't totally worthless.

I did get my feelings hurt when I went to work last night and everyone was dressed in black except me. I said "oh well I guess I missed the 'wear black scrubs memo'". Only one person said anything like "I'll put you in my cell phone so you know the next time we do this". I was like "whatever. Now I know I'm really not in the little group." I tried to blow it off cause I've been working with these people for over a year. In the end, I had to let it go. But it still hurt my feelings even though it was petty.

I ended up staying up all night after I got home and getting the boy to school. Caleb was all excited I was home. I had told him I was going to be but I guess he didn't believe it until this morning. He talked nonstop after getting out of the shower. Sweetheart. David got home shortly after I got Caleb off to school, we chatted, ate breakfast and then I went to bed. I slept so good for a change. I guess I was really tired from only sleeping 4 1/2 hours the day before.

Okay, trying to diet again. Started Sunday. Weight on Sunday 121.4. Today 120.0. We'll see how successful I am this time. It seems that i will lose a few pounds and then go right back to it. Ugh. I hate getting old.

My friend J is feeling better from her face lift. I think I might check that one out. David said that medical expenses were tax deductible. I think I would be willing to help maximize our deductions for 2007. Oh, I'm just dreaming. I'd get a butt-ectomy before I'd do a face lift. Now if my butt looked like Jessica Biel or J Lo I wouldn't mind, but unfortunately...well I won't be descriptive so as not to make you have nightmares, lol. Just know that I have been asked "what is a white girl like you doing with a ghetto booty?" Nuff said.

I do work today and Thursday. Hope everyone is doing okay. Have a great day!

De ;)

Finish The Sentence

Found over at Dawn's:

1. Once, when I...younger, I used to believe I was adopted because none of my brother and sisters have brown hair except me.

2. Lately, it seems that...you can't tell the difference between Wednesday and Friday nights in the ER anymore.

3. I can't stomach another...story about Anna Nicole Smith. Let her rest in peace, already!

4. Here's something you never knew about me...I not only have a Bachelor's degree in Nursing, I have a Bachelor's in business as well. And that's because I talked myself out of going to med school.

5. I am so ready for...Hannah to be home again!

6. If you put together...Diet Dr Pepper and Chocolate I'd never want for anything again. Thank goodness you can't, lol, cause instead of needing to lose 20pounds it might be 50!

7. My plans for the week include...working 2 1/4 shifts, housework, hanging out with the boy and his Dad, and picking up Hannah at the airport.

Sunday Seven - Episode 79

When we were kids, we all loved the zoo. Nowadays, unless you have kids, it has probably been a while since you've visited, so this week's question might tap your memories.But first, though Lissette of Crafty Girly was first to play last week! Congratulations, Lissette!On to this week's question!

THIS WEEK'S QUESTION:Name your seven favorite animals to see at the zoo. Either answer the question in a comment or answer it in your journal and include the link in a comment. (To be considered "first to play," a link must be to the specific entry in which you answered the question.)

1. Panda - seen for the first time this year at the San Diego Zoo
2. The Big Cats - lions, tigers, etc.
3. Penguins
4. Elephants
5. Giraffes
6. Zebras
7. Little Monkeys

Saturday Six - Episode 151

Tax time is coming sooner than we think. The good news is that because the dreaded 15th of April lands on a weekend, we'll have until the 17th to file. The bad news is that we still have to file. But money may already be on your mind, and I thought now would be the perfect time to ask some questions on the subject!

Last week, it was Nichole of "My Two Cents" made it a three-peat, becoming the first to play last week for the three consecutive weeks in a row! Is this the week that she breaks the all-time record and becomes the first to be "first to play" for four weeks running? Here are this week's "Saturday Six" questions. Either answer the questions in a comment here, or put the answers in an entry on your journal...but either way, leave a link to your journal so that everyone else can visit! To be counted as "first to play," you must be the first player to either answer the questions in a comment or to provide a complete link to the specific entry in your journal in which you answer the questions. A link to your journal in general cannot count. Enjoy!

1. How often do you clip coupons from the newspaper or mail inserts? Ummmm, next to never.

2. You buy something that contains a mail-in rebate: how likely are you to take the time to fill out and mail the application (with appropriate receipts) to actually get the rebate mailed to you? Usually will since they are worth more than a few cents. Makes it more worth my while.

3. How many credit cards do you have right now that have a zero balance? 3 out of 4. 4th one only has about $50 on it.

4. Take the quiz: Are you good with money?

You Are Okay With Money

You're about average with money, which means you probably don't have a lot of it. Your instincts tell you to stay out of debt and spend wisely... But you don't always listen to your instincts! With a little more effort, you could have a nice little nest egg. You just have to control your spending.

Are You Good With Money?

5. What is the most expensive thing you purchased in the last week? Oy, a birthday present for the boy, he will be turning 7 this month.

6. On a scale of one to ten, with ten meaning that it was something you needed badly and urgently, how much did you really need this particular item? Well, the boy needs it more than me, so he'd give it a 10 I'm sure.

A New Version of Sexyback

This is dedicated to my dear sister, Kathryn, as she prepares for surgery in one week. Take this image with you and may it inspire you to get well, really, really quick and give you something to smile about while under anesthesia!

Add to My Profile More Videos

47 Things About My Hubby

Okay, I've been up for 23 hours and 29 minutes...but whose counting? David worked last night as planned. I've been up since 2:00pm yesterday and wasn't planning on working when I got a phone call about 7:30pm begging me to come in as they were two nurses short. And since I was feeling in a charitable mood, I did. Why not? Extra moolah. Okay so now it might not seem like a wise idea right? Hubby is sleeping. He'll get up in a little bit and let me have my turn so Caleb won't be up all by himself all day. But in the meantime I've been reading journals and I came across this entry by Dawn over at Carpe Diem called "42 Things About Hubby" (see her sidebar) and decided to give it a whirl...so here goes nothing:
47 Things about my Hubby (one for each year)...

1. He is the oldest child of 4.
2. He is the smartest person I know.
3. He is the one person I would want to be trying to save my life if I were dying.
4. He can be stubborn, but will still to listen to your point of view.
5. He may not always agree with me but will always defend me fiercely to others.
6. He will go completely out of his way to buy me a cup of coffee.
7. He will try and spend way too much money on me if I let him.
8. He spoils “The Boy” horribly, but loves him even more.
9. He wishes Hannah were his daughter, and treats her as if she was.
10. He often dreams of his three oldest children all coming around again.
11. He still cries about his baby that died 24 years ago, as if it were today.
12. He has had more tragedy in his life than most people have in a lifetime.
13. He would give you the shirt off his back if you asked, but don’t steal it.
14. He believes that every ounce of respect is earned, not given.
15. He strongly believes that you should treat others as you want to be treated in turn.
16. He moved out & supported himself when he was 16, and had a 4.0.
17. He graduated high school when he was 17 and started his own company.
18. He broke his back when he was 23 and was told he would never walk again.
19. He is walking today because “I did everything the doctors told me not to do”
20. He idolized his Uncle Jack and dreamed of becoming a doctor like him.
21. Breaking his back is what got him back into school and eventually med school.
22. He started smoking when he was 13, and quit when he was 24.
23. It took him a whole year to quit smoking.
24. He played football in college at Oklahoma State University for Jimmy Johnson.
25. He played semi-pro arena football for the Oklahoma Wranglers while in med school.
26. He was on the high school wrestling team.
27. He has two black belts, one in Aikido, and the other in Tae Kwon Do.
28. He ran both the New York and the Los Angeles Marathons in one year.
29. He has won many triathlons for his age group over the years.
30. He did the “Hotter Than Hell” Triathlon and lived to tell about it.
31. He is always reading self-motivation and improvement books.
32. He will watch HGTV and American Idol with me and actually enjoy it, I think.
33. He is an avid hockey fan and loves to play it more than watching it.
34. He is extremely romantic, which makes up for me not being so.
35. He doesn’t rag me about being on the computer all day.
36. He doesn’t mind that I am not the best housewife or cook.
37. He’d rather hang out with Caleb than sleep.
38. He loves my BMW more than I do.
39. He really wants a Hummer even more.
40. He is a total “guy” when it comes to his music.
41. He doesn’t mind that I want to work when he thinks I don’t need to.
42. He sings very well.
43. He is a very talented artist and has sold his work.
44. He always talks about reading the “The Big Honey Hunt” to his children.
45. He loves dessert.
46. He loves Caleb, Hannah, Lauren, Stephanie, and DJ.
47. And, most of all, he loves me and tells me so everyday…and means it.

I do believe I'm going to get some sleep. Have a great Saturday!

De ;)

I'm Going Home

Wow! What is going on?! I know I haven't been on lately, but I was pooped after working Sunday and Monday, and then having to be up past 1:00pm on Tuesday. I had a doctor's appt on Tuesday morning after work, then I zoomed over to Caleb's school and volunteered for their Triathlon event. I am glad I got to help with the triathlon, even though I was pretty tired by that point. I was in the "reading" part. Caleb walked by me and I had to shout his name about 3 times. Once he knew I was there, he ran and got a book. We read together and he stayed right by me as long as he could. It was kewl. I took a 2 hour nap, got up and picked up Caleb from school and stayed up.

On Wednesday I just hung out around the house, sleeping in and taking naps, playing catch up.

Today I've just done stuff around the house and cooked dinner (I heard the collective gasp from you guys!) I cooked Lemon & Herb Tomato Chicken over pasta, with potatoes, zucchini, and squash, and some green beans & corn for the boy. It was really easy and good. Another Dream Dinners meal.

Well, I think I'm off to catch up on American Idol and see who got voted off tonight. Anyone else watching this season? Oh and hey, did you notice that the "kicked off" song this season is none other than American Idol's own Daughtry singing "Home"?

De ;)

How To Save A Life

Okay, I'm going to try something different. I'm going to post both here in my blogspot and my AOL journal. Read and comment where-ever you want. :)

Well, to get started, let me say that work last night was just a thinly disguised chaos (I am an RN and have worked in the ER for 11 years in case you don't know anything about me). I get there and see my assignment, which included the "code room". We don't keep this room occupied all the time and try to save it for critical patients only. And that's exactly what I happened to inherit last night. Mr 43 found down by his roommate, who initiates CPR after calling 911. EMS arrives, intubates, and begins ACLS (advanced cardiac life support - drugs & shocking). Mr 43, it seems, had been indulging in a massive amount of drugs. Positive for marijuana, benzodiazapenes (valium, ativan, etc), and opiates (heroin, pain pills, etc). Most probable scenario would include respiratory suppression followed quickly by cardiac arrest. No pulse or respirations when EMS arrived. Was a PEA (pulseless electrical activity - means electrical activity put out by the heart w/o contractability, otherwise no heartbeat) on the monitor at the scene, same when he arrived at the hospital. Pupils fixed and dialated. No neuro response at all to deep painful stimuli.

Okay, here is where the story gets a little more interesting. Mr. 43 was found by his roommate after seeing him "just fine" before getting in the shower, and not breathing 10 minutes later when he got out and started CPR immediately. Okay. How many of you have seen anyone walk by someone, get in the shower, bath, get out and dressed, check on someone, and initiate CPR in 10 minutes, male or not? I found that hard to believe. It was probably more like 20 minutes. Add another 10 minutes or so for EMS to arrive, intubate and begin ACLS. Then add transport time to the hospital and another 30 minutes of code activity to obtain a sustainable rhythm. Are you keeping score? Looks like at the least 1 hour of minimal-moderate cardiac perfusion activity. Ending result? Massive cerebral edema (brain swelling caused by drug overdose and hypoxia - no oxygen), no spontanous breaths (so total ventilator assisted), cardiac output by drugs only. Basically...dead.

When I arrived at 7pm last night, Mr 43 was just returning from CT Scan. I hurried into the room and helped get him re-situated, i.e., placed back on the monitor, vent reconnected, etc. I come back out and go to the day nurse "Okay...tell me about the other rooms" because I not only had the code room, but another three additional rooms. Here is where my night went bad right away because I can't handle a 1:1 patient and be expected to have any free time to take care of 3 other patients! I said as much to the charge nurse, too, but what could she do? Every other nurse there had 4 patients. Could I expect them to have 5 apiece? Neither situation was safe. So what happened? My patients waited anywhere from 1 hour to 2 hours to receive much needed medication. Thank the good Lord they were all stable because if not...never mind, I don't want to think about it. Oh sure, if something bad had happened I could argue in Court that the charge nurse should have made sure my other patients were being taken care of while I had my critical 1:1 patient, and I'm pretty positive that I would be exhaunerated, but I really don't ever want to face that situation.

Okay, this is what I'm going to do. I got name stickers from each of the patients I had at the beginning of the shift and wrote down what was wrong with them and how long it took me to get to them from the time the orders were written until I completed the task. Now I'm going to write a very long letter to our Nursing Director and Medical Director and explain the situation and the hospitals legal liability, along with making suggestions on how to fix the problem. I can only hope this catches someone's attention and changes be made accordingly.

So, because I had to start my shift drowning, I was so far behind on my charting by the end of my shift that I didn't clock out until 8:54am, a full two hours after my shift ended. That sucked! I didn't get home until after 9:30am and I was so worked up I couldn't go to sleep until 11:30am. Add that to the fact that I couldn't sleep past 1:00pm yesterday, and I wasn't 100% at my game because of getting over my tummy virus, and I was pooped! Up side? I slept like a log!

I do work again Sunday and Monday night, so here's hoping for calmer nights. Oh shucks! I probably just jinxed myself, lol.

Hope your Friday and Saturday were spent with family and friends. Catch up with you later! De ;)

Extra Food For Thought:

Saturday Six - Episode 150

How do you rate? It's a simple question, really. But then again maybe it isn't. We'll soon find out!

Last week, it was Nichole of "My Two Cents" was first to play last week for the second week in a row and who, like me, ranked as "Bob Barker" in the game show host quiz. Congratulations again, Nichole.

Here are this week's "Saturday Six" questions. Either answer the questions in a comment here, or put the answers in an entry on your journal...but either way, leave a link to your journal so that everyone else can visit! To be counted as "first to play," you must be the first player to either answer the questions in a comment or to provide a complete link to the specific entry in your journal in which you answer the questions. A link to your journal in general cannot count. Enjoy!

1. Rating them on a scale of one to ten, which of the following aspects of your life would you think rates the highest: mind, body or spirit? Spirit.

2. Rating them on a scale of one to ten, which of the following aspects of your life would you think rates the lowest: friends/family, love or finance? Finance.

3. Considering all six categories, which do you think would rank closest to the middle, a "5"? Body.

4. Take the quiz: How does your life rate?

This Is My Life, Rated
Life:	7.5
Mind:	7.1
Body:	5.5
Spirit:	8
Friends/Family:	7.2
Love:	5.5
Finance:	8.5
Take the Rate My Life Quiz

2008 Version:

This Is My Life, Rated
Life:	5.2
Mind:	5.4
Body:	4.5
Spirit:	6.7
Friends/Family:	5.3
Love:	0
Finance:	6.6
Take the Rate My Life Quiz

5. Of the first three questions, how many of your responses match the responses of the quiz? One.

6. Which of the test's responses do you disagree the most with and why? Well...it rates finance as number one and perhaps that is a very stable part of my life right now, but I do consider my spritial life more important.

The Sunday Seven - Episode 77

Some call it soda, some call it pop. Others call it Coke or Pepsi even if it's the other one. But how ever you refer to soft drinks, it's time to name your top choices.But first, Frida, of "I Really Hate Blog Names," was first to play last week, and had quite a few interesting selections for Valentine's Day candy messages! Congratulations, Frida!On to this week's question!

THIS WEEK'S QUESTION:Name your top seven favorite soft drink flavors or varieties.

1. Diet Dr Pepper
2. "Real" Dr Pepper
3. Diet Berry Dr Pepper
4. Diet Vanilla Coke from Sonic
5. Peach Fruit 02
6. Strawberry Fruit 02
7. Rasberry Dannon Water

**As you can see, I ran out of soda (and I call them all "coke" btw except for water) flavors. I'm pretty much a stick in the mud.

Saturday Six - Episode 149

Come on down! You're the next contestant on the Saturday Six! And if you can't figure out the topic of today's themed-edition, then you're on your way to a big loss with nothing but a case of Rice-a-Roni for consolation!

Last week, it was Nichole of "My Two Cents" was first to play last week. Congratulations, Nichole.

Here are this week's "Saturday Six" questions. Either answer the questions in a comment here, or put the answers in an entry on your journal...but either way, leave a link to your journal so that everyone else can visit! To be counted as "first to play," you must be the first player to either answer the questions in a comment or to provide a complete link to the specific entry in your journal in which you answer the questions. A link to your journal in general cannot count. Enjoy!

1. Take the quiz: What game show host are you?

Hmmmm. I'm not totally surprised by this answer.

2. What game show do you think you would be best as playing? Either "Who Wants to Be A Millionaire", "Wheel of Fortune" or "The Price is Right".

3. What game show do you think you would be worst at playing? "Jeopardy". I don't think I would ever remember to phrase my answer as a question.

4. Have you ever applied or auditioned as a contestant for any game show? If so, which one? I tried several times to get on "Millionaire" when Regis was hosting. I kept missing the third question.

5. If you had to apply or audition for a game show, which one would you most likely choose? Either Millionaire or Wheel.

6. If you found out you had to host a game show, which one would do you know well enough that you could actually host? See #5.

Saturday Six - Episode 148

Do you ever think about where you live? Rarely, if you're busy working, raising a family, trying to find a little time for yourself. There's something special about every place. Maybe this week's edition will give you pause to think of what's special where you are! We had lots of players last week, but it was Wil of "The Daily Snooze" was first to play last week. Congratulations, Wil! Here are this week's "Saturday Six" questions. Either answer the questions in a comment here, or put the answers in an entry on your journal...but either way, leave a link to your journal so that everyone else can visit! To be counted as "first to play," you must be the first player to either answer the questions in a comment or to provide a complete link to the specific entry in your journal in which you answer the questions. A link to your journal in general cannot count. Enjoy!

1. A friend arrives from out of town and wants to go to dinner at a nice locally-owned restaurant: where would you take her? OMGosh! I have no idea. We tend to be stick in the muds and visit what is known. Probably something Mexican.

2. Your friend then says he wants to learn something about the history of your city: where would you take him first? The Phoenix Musuem of History sounds like a good place to start.

3. Does your current hometown have any specific kind of weather threats (i.e., tornado alley, etc.) or natural disaster threats (i.e., earthquake faults, volcanic activity) that concerns you? Generally the biggest weather threats in my part of Arizona are Heat/Cold/Flash Floods.

4. Take the quiz: What city shares your personality?
You scored as Paris.
You are Paris, France! You are fiercly independent. You have very refined tastes and enjoy extravegance and a bit of self-indulgence.
Paris 70%
Provo 65%
Killarney 65%
Boston 60%
Rio de Janeiro 55%

5. Have you ever visited this city or lived there before? Nope, but from what I’ve heard Paris is very pretty, if you can get past the "hate Americans" attitude.

6. Based on what you know about that city, either firsthand or from others, do you think it would be a good fit for you? Do you think it would be a better fit than the city in which you now live? Well, I don’t know a whole lot about what it would be like to live in Paris, but personally, I like a big city with all it’s ammenities, so it would probably work for me.

Saturday Six - Episode 147

My best friend likes to quiz me each year on who's playing in the Super Bowl, or the World Series, or any other major sporting event. He knows that I'm not much of a sports fan. He might be surprised that I'd dedicate an edition of the Saturday Six to such an event.

But before we get to the questions, it's time to recognize Otowi of "Otowi," who was first to play last week. Congratulations! Also, I must thank Frida of "I Really Hate Blog Names," who was first to visit, and pointed out that I had inadvertently copied a wrong link from the previous week's edition.

Here are this week's "Saturday Six" questions. Either answer the questions in a comment here, or put the answers in an entry on your journal...but either way, leave a link to your journal so that everyone else can visit! To be counted as "first to play," you must be the first player to either answer the questions in a comment or to provide a complete link to the specific entry in your journal in which you answer the questions. A link to your journal in general cannot count. Enjoy!

1. Who's going to win the Super Bowl? The Colts! And this has been my answer all along, not just as I’m watching the game. See my post yesterday in my other journal De’s Thoughts.

2. Have you been invited to any Super Bowl parties? (Or are you throwing your own?) Not this year, DH is working and I’m off for a change.

3. If you were invited, would you go, even if you hate football? Yes.

4. Have you ever thrown a party focused on a television program? Yes.

5. If you were given free tickets to the Super Bowl, would you attend? Why or why not? Yes! I’ve always wanted to attend a Super Bowl, and I hoping that since I live in Phoenix that there will be a possibility I will be able to go in 2008.

6. Do you worry about security at such an event? Would those worries prevent you from attending or in any way make you less likely to attend? I worry about security at all events since 9/11, but I’m not letting the terrorist win.

Bo Bice: Doesn't Remind Me of Anything

Bo Bice Doesn't Remind Me

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Sunday Seven - Episode 74

"Sometimes you feel like a nut...sometimes you don't." Yes, even a classic advertising jingle can provide the topic for a Sunday Seven question! (If you have trouble coming up with answers, here is a source of inspiration.

But first, Otowi, of "Otowi," was first to play last week . Congratulations!

On to this week's question!

THIS WEEK'S QUESTION:
Name your seven favorite varieties of nuts:

1. Cashews
2. Honey roasted peanuts
3. Pistachios
4. Pecans (but I'm allergic)
5. Walnuts
6. Macadamia
7. Almonds